Premiership
Wasps Sign Saracens and Springbok Prop Vincent Koch
Wasps are delighted to announce the signing of World Cup winning South African international tighthead-prop Vincent Koch, who will join the Club next season from Saracens.
The 31-year-old has 31 caps for the Springboks, which include impressive performances in their 2019 Rugby World Cup win and last summer’s series triumph against the British and Irish Lions.
Koch’s destructive scrummaging as part of South Africa’s ‘Bomb Squad’ saw him play a key role en route to them winning the William Webb Ellis trophy.
The 6ft 1in, 120kg forward, renowned for his great athletic ability, has made over 100 appearances for Saracens, helping them to win two European Champions Cups and two Premiership titles.
On the way to their 2017 European Cup success, Koch put in a masterful display in the semi-final win against Munster and was deservedly named Man of the Match.
Koch joined Saracens from the Stormers in the summer of 2016, having made his international debut against New Zealand in 2015.
Wasps Men’s Head Coach Lee Blackett said: “We have been looking for a world-class tighthead-prop and in Vincent we have found our man.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring an experienced international forward like him on board for next season. He will really add to our scrum and our environment next season, having been a proven winner at club and international levels for many years now.”
Koch added: “The saying goes ‘a change is as good as a holiday.’ Saracens have been amazing over the last couple of years, and I have had great times there, that I will always treasure. But I believe it’s time for a change, and a new challenge at Wasps is what I need for the next chapter of my career.
“I am looking forward to joining Wasps ahead of the 2022/2023 season. I believe Wasps are going in an exciting direction under Lee Blackett and I think I can add to their vision and goals next season.”
Sale Sharks have agreed a deal to sign Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu from French Top14 side Toulon.
The explosive centre, who starred for his country during the recent World Cup, has signed a one-year contract with an option for a further year.
He will join up with Alex Sanderson’s Sharks squad ahead of the start of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season.
Waisea, 33, said: “I’ve watched the Premiership for a long time and it’s always been in the back of my mind that I would love to play there one day and experience rugby in England.
“Now that opportunity has arrived and I’m really, really happy and grateful. I’m so excited to get over there and join the boys and see how I can contribute to the team.
“I have spoken to Telusa Veainu and he only has positive things to say about the club and about Manchester.
“I’m looking forward to playing with some of the guys I’ve played against, like Tom Curry and George Ford. But I also know there are a lot of really talented young players in the Sale Sharks squad and I’m excited to share my experience and help them develop as much as I can.
“I told Alex that it’s what I’ve been doing for the last few years of my career and it’s something I’m passionate about.”
Nayacalevu, who stands at 6’4” and weighs in at 16st 7lb, spent ten years at Top14 side Stade Français before making the switch to Toulon in 2022.
He has won 34 caps for Fiji, slotting in at both centre and on the wing, and captained his country at last year’s World Cup, where the Pacific Islanders made the quarter-finals, losing 30-24 to England in Marseille.
He also famously scored for Fiji in their memorable pre-World Cup win against England at Twickenham.
Images & Content from Sale Sharks Rugby
Phil Brantingham to join Saracens
Prop-forward Phil Brantingham will leave Newcastle Falcons in the summer to join Saracens.
The 22-year-old has played 25 games for his home town club, and leaves with the thanks and best wishes of everyone at the Falcons.
Chairman of rugby Matt Thompson said: “Phil has done well for us and we made him a good offer to stay here.
“We respect his decision and wish him all the best for his move in the summer, but between now and then he will be fully committed to finishing the season strongly for Newcastle Falcons.”
Source – Newcastle Falcons Rugby
Sale Sharks can confirm that forward Cobus Wiese will leave the club at the end of the season to return to South Africa.
The 26-year-old lock has played almost 80 games for the club and scored five tries since joining from the DHL Stormers ahead of the 2020/21 season.
He played a key role last year as Sale reached the Premiership final, and this season he has featured a further 13 times for Alex Sanderson’s side.
Alex said: “Cobus will be missed by all of us on so many levels. He’s the most polite and courteous of people off the field, but the most wildly excitable man on the field, and on a night out.
“To say Cobus wears his heart on his sleeve is to do him a disservice with regards to his emotional commitment for which his body has paid the price on occasion.
“He leads by example and has earnt the respect and adoration of the group both on a professional and a personal level. We wish him every success and happiness with his move back home.”
Everyone at Sale Sharks would like to thank Cobus for his contribution to the club and the team during his time here and we wish him all the very best for the future.
Images & Content from Sale Sharks Rugby
Munster Rugby Announce Contract Deals For Murray, Daly & Gleeson
Squad Update | Munster Prepare For Cardiff At Thomond
